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Get your vital documents

Birth certificate, state ID and Social Security card, in the order that works.

Last checked . Rules change, so confirm with the agency before you act.

Do them in this order

Each document helps you get the next one. Start with your birth certificate, then your Virginia ID, then your Social Security card.

1. Birth certificate

A certified copy from Virginia Vital Records costs $15. Only you or immediate family can request your record. By standard mail it takes about 2 weeks. Express delivery is faster.

Virginia can only issue Virginia records. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office.

  • No photo ID? Vital Records accepts two secondary documents instead. Examples include a DD214, a certified school transcript, a life insurance policy, or a Medicare or Medicaid card. Check the ID requirements page for the full list.
  • No permanent address? You can give a mailing address where you can reliably get mail. Your peer specialist or case manager can help.

2. Virginia ID card

Get it at the DMV. Almost every job and housing application asks for it. Bring original documents. DMV does not accept photocopies or temporary documents.

The fee is $2 for each year the card is valid, with a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $16. Ask DMV whether fee help applies to you.

  • No proof of where you live? DMV accepts an Approved Homeless Shelter Agreement. Ask your shelter whether it can provide one.
  • DMV needs a street address. A PO box does not count.

3. Social Security card

A replacement card is free. It takes about 10 to 14 days by mail. If you have a Virginia ID, you may be able to request it online.

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Sources

This is general information, not legal advice. PXM does not decide who qualifies for any program.